Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has broken his silence on why he has not visited the grave of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, months after the veteran opposition leader’s death in 2025.
Speaking during an interview on Ramogi FM, Gachagua cited both protocol and security concerns, offering insight into decisions that have drawn public scrutiny.
Gachagua revealed that he had already reached out to Raila’s family, specifically his widow, Ida Odinga, to convey his condolences and request permission to travel to Bondo for a personal visit.
However, he indicated that the family had asked for more time before granting access.
“I did call Mama Ida Odinga; I passed my personal condolences to her, and we placed a request that we would like to go to Bondo, and she said that things were quite heavy and that at an appropriate time she would give us an answer. We are still waiting,” he said.
His remarks come amid growing public interest over which political leaders have paid tribute at Raila’s final resting place, with several high-profile figures having already made visits to Bondo in Siaya County.
On his absence during the requiem mass held at Nyayo National Stadium, Gachagua pointed to intelligence reports that allegedly warned of a planned disruption targeting his presence at the event.
According to the former deputy president, the situation posed a risk not only to his safety but also to national cohesion.
“I had planned to go to Nyayo Stadium during Raila Odinga’s event, but I received information that some goons had been planted to harm me and create friction between the Mt. Kenya and Luo Nyanza regions,” he stated.
Gachagua said he ultimately chose to stay away to avoid escalating tensions during a sensitive moment of national mourning.
He framed the decision as a calculated move informed by his political experience and awareness of Kenya’s ethnic and regional dynamics.
“As an experienced politician, I realized it was an important occasion for Raila Odinga and his supporters, and it would have been imprudent for me to appear as though I had brought chaos to the stadium,” he added.
The former deputy president emphasized that his absence should not be interpreted as a lack of respect for Raila, who remains one of Kenya’s most influential political figures. Instead, he maintained that his actions were guided by caution and respect for the family and mourners.
Gachagua’s explanation adds a new dimension to ongoing political discourse surrounding Raila’s legacy and the evolving relationships among Kenya’s political elite.
It also highlights the delicate balance leaders often navigate between personal tributes and broader national considerations, particularly during periods of heightened public emotion.